KELVIN “The Big Hit” Fitial was knocked out by Rakim “The Boogeyman” Cleveland via high kick in the first round of their pro heavyweight title bout in Sherpherdsville, Kentucky on Saturday.
At first, Fitial stood toe-to-toe against Cleveland, throwing a few leg kicks and exchanging punches.
Cleveland then decided to change levels, bringing Fitial to the ground and throwing short elbows as Cleveland worked his way to full guard.
Cleveland tried to go for a submission but Fitial was able to slip out and bring the fight back to their feet.
Fitial then attempted a takedown but was reversed with Cleveland on top once again while positioning into a side mount.
Both fighters eventually worked their way back up on their feet and continued a stand-and-bang action for nearly the remainder of the opening round.
With enough distance, however, Cleveland used the range to his advantage with a quick high kick that connected on Fitial’s chin, knocking him out with only a few seconds left in round 1.
In an interview after the fight, Fitial said he and his team are ready to move on and will soon prepare for his next match.
“Coach Ray and the gym team have plans already set for me to work on,” Fitial said. “We will get into boxing and work more on the ground and on my defense.”
Despite his loss, he said he is thankful to “the Man above for He has given me everything I need to step into that cage: courage, strength, protection and heart.”
He added, “Thank you to my family and friends both in the CNMI and the U.S. for the outpouring of love and support before, during and after this fight. Special thanks to my sponsor, IT&E, for giving me the opportunity to train in the U.S. mainland and to be able to stay connected to my family back home. Thank you to Coach Ray Diaz, Coach Tai Doram and the entire Blue Blood Muay Thai/Four Seasons Martial Arts Gym for the daily training and push. Thank you Diego Sablan for the continued guidance and support to keep going. I love you CNMI!”
Rakim “The Boogeyman” Cleveland connects the KO shot against Kelvin “The Big Hit” Fitial during a pro heavyweight title bout of the B2 Fighting Series in Shepherdsville, Kentucky on Saturday.
